A mysterious keyboard bug has been plaguing Google Pixel users who prefer the classic 3-button navigation, causing the keyboard to pop up unexpectedly on the home screen. This issue, first reported nearly a year ago, has persisted through multiple Android updates and affects various keyboard apps. While some users have found temporary relief by switching to gesture navigation or tweaking their swipe up to search settings, a permanent fix from Google is the ideal solution everyone affected is waiting for.
Users describe the issue in various ways, but the common thread is the unexpected appearance of the keyboard on the home screen after returning from an app or a Google search window. This phantom keyboard appearance forces users to hit the back button to dismiss it, creating an annoying interruption in their workflow.
Interestingly, the bug isn’t limited to Gboard, Google’s default keyboard. Users have reported the same issue with Swiftkey and other third-party keyboards, indicating that the problem lies within the Pixel’s software rather than the keyboard apps themselves. However, the issue seems to be exclusive to Pixel users, as there have been no reports from users of other Android devices. Additionally, it affects users across different Pixel models, from the Pixel 5 to the latest Pixel 8 Pro, and those using both the stock Pixel Launcher and Nova Launcher.
The only proven workaround so far is to switch to gesture navigation, as the bug exclusively affects users who prefer the traditional 3-button navigation. Some users have also found success by toggling the “swipe up to search” setting in the home settings. However, these workarounds are not ideal for everyone, as many users have grown accustomed to the 3-button navigation and don’t want to change their habits.
A product expert in the Pixel forum recently pointed out that there is a known problem affecting the 3-button navigation system and a fix is hopefully on the horizon. However, there’s still no official word from Google about the bug, leaving users in the dark about when a solution might become available.
The persistent nature of this bug, spanning across Android 13 and Android 14, suggests a deeper-rooted problem within the Pixel software. The fact that it affects various keyboard apps and exclusively Pixel users further reinforces this notion. While the lack of an official acknowledgment from Google is concerning, the statement from the product expert offers a glimmer of hope. Users can only wait and hope that Google addresses this annoying bug soon, allowing them to enjoy their Pixel phones without the constant keyboard interruptions.
In the meantime, affected users can try the workarounds mentioned earlier, but it’s important to remember that these are temporary solutions. The ultimate fix lies in the hands of Google, and users can only hope that the company takes swift action to resolve this issue.
Himanshu Arora
256 Posts
I have been writing tech-focused articles since 2010. In my around 15 years of experience so far, I have written for many leading publications, including Computerworld, GSMArena, TechSpot, HowtoForge, LinuxJournal, and MakeTechEasier to name a few. I also co-founded PiunikaWeb, which went on to become a huge success within 5 years of its inception. Here at TechIssuesToday, I aim to offer you helpful information in a way that you won't find anywhere else easily.
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